Rodney Atkins Divorcing Amid Domestic Abuse Claims

Rodney Atkins has filed for divorce amid allegations by his wife, Tammy Jo Atkins, that he abused her last month. His attorney terms the claims “completely untrue.”

The news website TMZ reported Thursday (Dec. 15) that court documents filed in Williamson County, Tenn., a suburb of Nashville, indicate Tammy Atkins called 911 on Nov. 21 at 7:47 a.m., claiming her husband was drunk and tried to smother her with a pillow. She said he also grabbed her by the face and threw her down the hallway. The couple had been arguing all night, she said, adding that the assault took place in front of their 10-year-old son, Elijah.

Atkins’ attorney disputed the severity of the charge and released a statement that called it an “unfortunate verbal dispute.”

Atkins is closing out his 2011 tour schedule with performances Thursday in Lowell, Mass., Friday in Buffalo, N.Y., and Saturday in Lewiston, Maine.